This post is a modified version of last weeks post. The information is here for your review. There are some who think this is a good idea and increasingly, those who do not. We are interested in your views and your long term vision for Port Townsend.
ACL (American Cruise Lines) Sales pitch at the June 11th Port Commission Meeting (video) (meeting Minutes not yet posted)
ACL brochure (big file so see one drive link) Or download one from the ACL website.
Articles about the downsides of cruise ships tourism. (randomly chosen from many online)
https://www.edhat.com/news/op-ed-more-small-towns-should-stand-up-against-cruise-ships/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2024/12/15/cruise-vote-protests-yorktown-bar-harbor-juneau/
https://www.humanrights-in-tourism.net/card/136
https://today.emich.edu/story/story/10623
https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Moor-harm-than-good-
https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/overtourism-cruise-industry
https://www.hcn.org/articles/ocean-the-terrible-toll-of-the-cruise-ship-industry/
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2023/oct/19/europe-ports-bear-brunt-of-cruise-ship-pollution
Port of PT online statement on Union Wharf
Union Wharf and City Dock Rules and Regulations
City Dock and Union Wharf (collectively referred to as “Port moorage facilities” were constructed for the benefit of the public as a whole, and are intended to provide waterfront access and recreational opportunities for a wide variety of persons. In this regard, the Port expects all users, whether public or private, commercial or recreational, to use such moorage facilities responsibly and with common courtesy, to keep them free of litter, to respect and protect the public’s interest, and to refrain from any activities which will or might cause the facilities damage or harm. The Port further expects all commercial users of Union Wharf to be mindful that Union Wharf was constructed primarily to provide public access to, and recreational enjoyment of, the waterfront by the general public, and that any commercial use is secondary to this primary purpose. All patrons and the public are to respect the rights of others and to be particularly vigilant with regards to the control of pets, the safety of children, and keeping the facilities free of vandalism.
Blog Editor opinion and why this issue is being posted here for your review.
This editor is against long term agreements and corporate cruise ship “investment” that comes with certain rights and privileges primarily benefiting that corporation while acknowledging that small and limited cruise ship visitation has potential benefits for certain businesses. The examples listed in the video and beyond have a track record of ever increasing numbers of ships/year and domination of the infrastructure they invest in. The number of ships visiting PT has increased every year since they began and ACL intends to continue that trend.
Money for infrastructure is scarce these days but ACL investment in our docks and beyond carries the price tag of priority treatment, ie, a dominant foot in our town that will be very difficult to counter once in place. People who have experienced towns contracted with cruise ship companies may be aware of the problems associated with that. Some towns have limited options but Port Townsend has so much to offer the world…so many schools, classes, workshops, festivals, agriculture, innovation, manufacturing, a working waterfront, Regattas, annual curiosity tours, and Culture. Cruise ships inevitably and drastically change the culture of a place.
Please listen to the meeting video and all of the questions and comments from our Port Commissioners. The meeting presentation is an interesting dialog of diplomatic language and professional marketing. The entire meeting is worth a listen! The Port and City really need more public engagement as they are making decisions based on the views of the very few who do engage. It’s tough to make the time but it is important for our quality of life here. (AB)